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RM21 Combo Drives New Levels of Productivity

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RM21 Combo Drives New Levels of Productivity: Managing three separate sites with just four full-time staff would stretch almost any grounds team – but at Leicester Tigers, the introduction of the RM21 Combo robotic marker and mower, supplied by Agrovista Amenity, has transformed efficiency, quality, and day-to-day workflow.

For Head Groundsman Ed Mowe, who oversees the stadium pitch, three pitches and an indoor facility at the training ground, plus the women’s training centre at Oakes Park, the time spent on routine pitch marking alone had become a major pressure point.

RM21 Combo Drives New Levels of Productivity

RM21 Combo Drives New Levels of Productivity

“We were spending around seven hours a week just marking out,” Ed explained. “That’s one person’s full working day gone. With only four of us across three sites, we needed a smarter way of working.”

A trial of several robotic systems followed, but the RM21 Combo, supplied by Agrovista Amenity with full technical support, training, and backup from XDC, stood out immediately.

While Ed initially sought a robotic line marker, the multifunction capability of the RM21 quickly set it apart.

“It gave a really good mark, and the lines were spot on,” he said. “But the added benefit of the mowing deck and the fact we can add attachments like a dew brush made it a no-brainer. Instead of just being a marker, it’s a multi-tool we get far more out of.”

The team now uses the robot to mark four pitches across the men’s and women’s training facilities and to cut surrounds and soil-based training surfaces when staffing is tight.

This has had a dramatic impact on productivity:

“Three or four hours of robotic marking gives us three or four hours back,” Ed said. “That means we can cut a pitch, strim, fertilise – and carry out other pitch management work. It’s also helped us claw back some lieu time for the team, which we couldn’t before.”

One of the biggest challenges for any grounds team is the initial mark after renovations. With three-point data setup and highly accurate RTK navigation, the RM21 has made that process almost instant.

“The initial mark was always the longest,” Ed said. “Now, every mark is as accurate as the first. Even if there are no lines on the ground, the robot puts them in perfectly. It’s massively simplified things.”

The robot’s precision also extends beyond standard pitch layouts.

“We can programme it for grids, lineout areas, whatever we want. If something isn’t on the system, Agrovista and XDC get it mapped and send it straight over to us.”

For a machine expected to work autonomously across multiple sites, reliability and safety were essential. Ed admits he was initially cautious about the RM21’s weight – especially on damp soil-based pitches – but has been impressed.

“I was a bit sceptical at first, but there have been no wheel marks and the quality of cut is brilliant.”

The RM21’s ability to map complex or irregular areas has been another surprise:

“We’ve even mapped banks on site and it cuts them autonomously now. It saves us struggling to walk them.”

Ed is quick to praise the support from Agrovista Amenity and XDC.

“No issues whatsoever. They’re always at the end of the phone or a message. They’ve gone above and beyond.”

With future attachments already in development, Ed sees the RM21 as a long-term asset.

“We’ve got this machine now; why not use it to its full ability? The versatility is one of its biggest features, and the potential for even more is really appealing.”

As Leicester Tigers continue to push standards across all their facilities, the RM21 Combo has become an integral part of how the team works. For Ed and his staff, it’s not just a machine but a smarter, more reliable way of managing an ever-growing workload – and one that promises even more capability in the seasons ahead.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit https://amenity.agrovista.co.uk/

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Greenfingers Charity builds on a year of completed gardens

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Greenfingers Charity builds on a year of completed gardens: The Greenfingers Charity is preparing for a significant year ahead, announcing further details of its hospice garden programme for 2026, following the completion of five new therapeutic gardens across the UK in 2025.

Gardens completed in 2025

During 2025, Greenfingers opened five new bespoke hospice gardens, each carefully designed to support children with life-limiting conditions, their families and the professionals who care for them. New gardens were completed at The Nook (East Anglia), Chestnut Tree House (Arundel), Hope House (Shropshire), Acorns (Walsall) and Bluebell Wood (Sheffield).

Greenfingers Charity builds on a year of completed gardens

Greenfingers Charity builds on a year of completed gardens

These gardens are already being used as vital outdoor environments where children can experience nature safely, feeling fresh air, colour, texture and seasonal change, often for those whose medical needs limit their access to the outdoors. For families, the gardens provide rare opportunities to be together away from clinical spaces, while hospice staff benefit from restorative areas that support wellbeing.

New Greenfingers gardens planned for 2026

Building on this momentum, Greenfingers is now progressing three new garden projects for 2026. Each will be delivered as a bespoke, highly specialist space, shaped around the specific needs of its hospice community.

Naomi House and Jack’s Place, Winchester

The new garden planned for Naomi House and Jack’s Place will be Greenfingers’ 75th garden, marking an important milestone in the charity’s work across the UK. Designed by Helen Elks Smith, with early design stages already underway, the project will transform existing lawned areas into a welcoming, inclusive outdoor space for children, siblings, parents and hospice staff alike. Carefully shaped to support both play and quiet reflection, the garden will give families a place to step outside together, to breathe, connect and create precious memories away from the pressures of indoor care.

This garden will also be the focus of Greenfingers’ 2026 Kilimanjaro fundraising challenge, with trekkers taking on the climb to help fund the creation of this very space. Their efforts will play a direct role in bringing this garden to life, turning extraordinary personal challenges into a lasting legacy for the children and families who will use it for years to come.

Little Havens, Essex

The 2026 project at Little Havens will see Greenfingers return to the hospice to deliver a major refresh and redevelopment of the existing Grow Your Own garden. The new design will focus on improving accessibility and sensory engagement, enabling children with complex needs to interact safely with planting, textures and the natural environment. Designed to support everyday hospice life, the garden will provide space for play, therapy and rest, while offering families precious opportunities to spend time outdoors together in a setting that feels calm, supportive and human.

Haven House, Woodford Green

At Haven House, Greenfingers will deliver a thoughtfully designed memorial and reflection garden within the hospice grounds. The project will be delivered by Baylis Landscapes, with the space carefully shaped to provide families with a calm, dignified outdoor environment where they can pause, reflect and remember. A central feature of the garden will be a Corten steel memorial tree, supplied by Caltef Designs, alongside screened seating, connected pathways and sensitive planting. Together, these elements will create a space that offers privacy, comfort and a sense of peace, supporting families through some of the most emotionally challenging moments of their lives.

Neil Sewell, Operations Director at Greenfingers, said: “Every unique Greenfingers garden starts with listening to the hospice teams, to families, and to what children need most in that moment. These are not decorative spaces; they are places where children can experience fresh air, colour and a sense of freedom, sometimes for the only time. As we move into 2026, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve delivered so far, and deeply aware of how vital continued support is to help us create more of these life-changing gardens.”

Looking ahead – creating gardens that change lives

As Greenfingers looks towards 2026, its focus is firmly on turning ambition into action – creating highly specialist hospice gardens that meet complex needs and change daily life for children and families. These spaces take months of careful design, sensitive construction and long-term commitment to deliver, and they simply cannot happen without continued fundraising and support. Every penny raised plays a vital role, helping to transform bare or underused spaces into safe, welcoming gardens where children can experience the outdoors, families can spend precious time together, and memories can be made when they matter most.

To find out more about the Greenfingers Charity, discover how to support its work, or get involved through fundraising, partnerships or volunteering, visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

You can also follow the charity’s latest updates on Instagram and LinkedIn @GreenfingersCharity, Facebook facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity, and X @GreenfingersCha.

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Increase in Number of Tree Shelters Collected and Recycled

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Increase in Number of Tree Shelters Collected and Recycled: Tubex®, a Magnera brand, has announced a significant growth in the use of its Tree Shelter Collection & Recycling Programme. The first of its kind scheme saw a 39 percent increase in the number of shelters returned and recycled in 2025 compared to previous year, with the Programme now close to a milestone of two million shelters collected and recycled.

At the end of the 2025, 1,982 dumpy sacks of collected tree guards had been returned to Tubex®, up from 1,421 in 2024.

Increase in Number of Tree Shelters Collected and Recycled

Increase in Number of Tree Shelters Collected and Recycled

Once collected, the tree shelters are sorted, washed and reprocessed back into raw material, at an impressive yield of 95.6 percent – meaning that 95.6 percent of the collected shelter material can be used to manufacture new product.

For Pete Stevens, Business Development Manager at Tubex®, the 2025 figures reinforce the long-term success of the Programme and its national hub network.

“Last year, we announced that since the start of the Collection & Recycling Programme in 2022, we had recycled more than 1 million tree shelters.  With these figures, we are now approaching the 2 million milestone – a testament to the collective endeavour of the forestry sector to collect used shelters at end of life.”

Polypropylene (PP) shelters containing recycled material that are recycled at end of use are still the lowest environmental impact option (Independent LCA study here: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10130156/) and represent a circular use of materials which is a key pillar of sustainability.

With a growing network of 24 recycling hubs nationwide, Tubex® has collaborated with its distributors and various forestry organisations to create accessible and convenient free drop-off points for legacy tree shelters.

Hub partners include Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust, Forest Working Plastics Group, Tilhill, Maydencroft, British Hardwood Tree Nursery, Ashlea Landscaping and Green-Tech among others.

For more information visit – https://tubex.com/sustainability/tree-shelter-collection-recycling-programme/

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STIGA Launches a New Lineup of Electric Tractors

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STIGA Launches a New Lineup of Electric Tractors: STIGA, Europe’s leading manufacturer and distributor of garden care machinery and equipment, unveils its new lineup of 100% electric tractors.

This advanced range is designed to meet the needs of demanding users, integrating the same high-performance technology found in STIGA’s professional equipment. At the heart of the new electric tractor models lies the proprietary ePower Pro battery system—engineered to deliver superior power, extended autonomy, and modular operation for effortless management of big, domestic gardens and for professional outdoor maintenance. This cutting-edge performance is complemented by the machines’ redesigned aesthetic — a look that embodies strength, innovation, and efficiency.

STIGA Launches a New Lineup of Electric Tractors

STIGA Launches a New Lineup of Electric Tractors

Modular technology for unlimited and customizable runtime 

At the heart of the new Electric Tractors is the 40 Ah (56V – 2,016 Wh) STIGA ePower Pro battery – durable, powerful and modular. A single battery can cover up to 7,500 m², while adding a second battery extends the autonomy up to cover 15,000 m², offering a flexible solution for any mowing need. The modular structure of its battery compartment, combined with separate recharging capability, allows for storage and charging anywhere – even during winter months – ensuring complete freedom of use. For extended mowing sessions, the possibility to swap batteries independently means users can personalise the tractor’s runtime according to their garden size, for unlimited work capacity. 

Powerful performance for the most demanding conditions 

The new electric tractors are available in both side-discharge and collecting versions, each equipped with an advanced cutting system featuring a central tunnel design that ensures a constant grass flow and a consistently clean cut. The electric blade motors deliver steady speed and optimal performance, even in the most demanding conditions. Thanks to direct power transmission, response is immediate, providing smooth, quiet operation and unparalleled cutting comfort — fully electric.

Fresh aesthetic and features built for efficiency

The Electric Tractor range stands out with a bold new look: full-black details, a redesigned front grid for a new, aggressive appearance, and enhanced front LED headlights for superior visibility. A built-in storage compartment under the bonnet offers a convenient, dust-proof space to store the charger and other accessories.

Enhanced driving experience and comfort

Engineered with user comfort and simplicity in mind, the new STIGA Electric Tractor features the Quick Reverse Cut system, allowing the blades to remain active while reversing – activated by a simple click, simplifying manoeuvres even in tighter spaces. Driving the STIGA electric tractor means enjoying a comfortable driving experience. Start-up is immediate, and all controls are easily managed via the integrated dashboard. The One-pedal drive system allows you to move forward and backwards with ease, ensuring full control in every situation. What’s more, you can optimise your mowing session by connecting the machine to the STIGA.GO app, which offers personalised advice via the virtual dashboard. All this without fumes and with significantly reduced noise and vibration levels.

A complete lineup  for every need

The range includes models tailored to different garden sizes and cutting preferences, varying in cutting width, runtime, and discharge configurations – from rear collection to side discharge. Among the models: Tornado 398e, Tornado 5108e, Estate 384e, and Estate 598e, which can be configured with one or two 40 Ah ePower Pro batteries. Although aimed at consumers, each model is built on the same advanced battery architecture as STIGA’s professional-grade machines.

Sustainable power engineered to endure

Choosing a STIGA Electric Tractor means investing in a high-performance solution with low environmental impact. With zero emissions, silent operation, limited vibrations and ease of maintenance, it is ideal for private use with a focus on comfort, efficiency, and power. Finally, its robust design and advanced engineering ensure it will be a reliable companion for years to come. Learn more about the new electric tractors line-up at www.stiga.com/uk/eparkpro-battery-front-mower. The machines are available for purchase through authorised.

Key highlights:

  • 40 Ah ePower Pro battery: removable, portable, and swappable for customizable working capacity, up to cover 15,000 m².
  • Modular battery system: flexible charging, easy battery management and easy storage.
  • A   fresh aesthetic with a redesigned grille, full-black details and powerful LED headlights.
  • Quick   Reverse Cut feature: reverse driving with blades active, simplifying manoeuvres.
  • Multiple cutting configurations: suitable for different garden sizes and discharge options.
  • Zero emissions and low noise: fully electric drive for quiet, eco-friendly operation.

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Matt Bartle appointed Group Head of Commercial Strategy

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Matt Bartle appointed Group Head of Commercial Strategy: Replay Group has appointed Matt Bartle as its new Group Head of Commercial Strategy, a newly created role designed to support the business’s continued growth, diversification and long-term strategic direction.

The appointment comes at a significant time for Replay Group, following private equity investment and the evolution of the business into four distinct divisions: Replay Maintenance, Replay Resurfacing, Replay Racquets and Replay Natural Turf.

Matt Bartle appointed Group Head of Commercial Strategy

Matt Bartle appointed Group Head of Commercial Strategy

Matt brings with him more than two decades of experience across sport, infrastructure and facilities development. His career began in 2001 at the Football Foundation, where he was part of the organisation from its inception, before moving to The FA, where he spent around ten years working across a range of national projects

In 2017, Matt founded Tri Sports Consultancy, an infrastructure masterplanning business supporting grassroots sport and organisations with projects ranging from 3G and natural turf pitches to training facilities. Throughout that time, he maintained close links with Replay.

“I’ve always had a strong association with Replay,” said Matt. “When the opportunity came to join the organisation, it was a no-brainer. The trajectory of the business and what the next three to five years could look like made it a really exciting proposition.”

Matt’s new role combines elements of commercial leadership, business development and strategic oversight. While not a traditional sales director role, the commercial team and function sit firmly within his remit.

“One of the key drivers behind becoming Replay Group is being able to talk more about the breadth of what we do,” he explained. “Maintenance is what we’re best known for, but there’s so much more to the organisation.”

That diversification includes the formal separation of Replay Resurfacing, an area the business has been delivering for more than a decade. By bringing resurfacing into its own division, Replay can take a more proactive approach, offering lifecycle planning, financial modelling and long-term solutions to its extensive client base.

“We’re already a trusted maintenance partner to over a thousand organisations nationwide,” said Matt. “Clients were already asking us about resurfacing, so formalising that offer allows us to add even more value, while maintaining that connection with them throughout the lifecycle of their facilities.”

The Replay Racquets division is another key growth area, encompassing tennis, pickleball and padel.

“There’s a huge boom in padel at the moment, but standards are critical,” he said. “We work closely with organisations like SAPCA to ensure everything we do adheres to technical guidance and best practice. We won’t compromise on quality because safety, longevity and trust matter.”

Matt is also excited by the launch of Replay Natural Turf, which further strengthens the Group’s ability to support clients with joined-up solutions.

“At its core, this is about adding value,” he added. “Whether it’s maintenance, resurfacing, rackets or natural turf, the Replay standard is non-negotiable. We want to continue leading the market, innovating and being a trusted resource for our clients for the next 20 years – just as we have been for the last 20.”

Commenting on Matt’s appointment, Nick Harris, Managing Director of the Replay Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Matt Bartle as our new Head of Commercial Strategy.

Matt brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight and will play a key role in driving our commercial growth and strengthening partnerships as we continue to expand. We’re delighted to have him on board and look forward to the impact he will make.”

For more information, visit www.replaymaintenance.co.uk

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